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Staying Warm Without Starting a Fire This Season | SERVPRO of Rapid City
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Rapid City this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
Who else loves this time of year? Getting cozy, staying in and enjoying a well-deserved rest can make this season a favorite for many. While you are busy pulling out your fuzzy socks and bundling up near the fireplace, it is crucial that you are doing so in a fire-safe way.
The number of house fires skyrockets during the winter season across the country, and unfortunately, many of them are preventable. Knowing how to care for your fireplace and space heaters can help you stay fire-free during the rest of the winter season.
We all love the warmth and ambiance that a fire provides, but fireplaces can also be downright dangerous if they are not cleaned and prepared properly. If your fireplace burns real wood, clean out the ash buildup before starting a new fire and regularly have your chimney cleaned to remove creosote buildup.
Limit the amount of clutter and flammable materials that are near your fireplace and mantle, and make sure your smoke detectors are always working. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, have your lines inspected annually for any signs of leaking or loose connections. You should also always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand for emergencies.
Space heaters are an easy way to warm back up after catching a chill, but did you know that space heater mishaps are solely responsible for 1,700 house fires every year? The benefit of space heaters is that they are portable, but that is also a drawback as they can easily be tipped over.
Choose a flat, nonflammable surface to set it up on. As you get it set up and plugged in, check the cord for any fraying or loose wiring before turning it on to ensure it is not a fire hazard from the very start.
Ensure that there is a three-foot barrier around your space heater to keep kids and pets out of harm’s way (and to avoid tipping). Never plug your space heater into an extension cord and always switch it off before leaving the room or heading to bed.
You might get excited to see a space heater for a really good deal or one from an unknown brand that claims to work quickly, but be warned! Not all space heaters are created equally and a good deal or claim may not always be the best choice.
Do your research to make sure you are purchasing from a reliable and well-reviewed company that has passed all of the necessary safety certifications. Next, make sure it has a shutoff feature that will take over and shut off the heater after a certain period of use. This can be really helpful if you are forgetful or struggle with setting reminders on your phone.
Finally, check the cord that is connected to the heater. It should be sturdy and well-made with no fraying and should ideally be at least six feet long so you can set up your heater in a safe location.
We hope you have a safe and warm winter season! Call us right away if you suffer from fire damage and we will get right to work on your restoration. We will remove damaged debris, deodorize your space and handle any and all repairs so you can make a full recovery.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.